Halesowen College

Overview

Halesowen College is judged as ‘Good’ overall, with ‘Good’ ratings across most inspection categories. The report highlights a ‘welcoming and inclusive environment’ where learners feel valued, though apprenticeship provision is rated ‘Requires improvement’.

Strengths

• Leaders have created a ‘welcoming and inclusive environment that enables learners to thrive’, fostering positive attitudes and community involvement.
• Curriculums for most learners are ‘well thought out and logically ordered’, ensuring skills develop progressively over time.
• Teachers are ‘qualified and experienced’ and use effective strategies, such as retrieval practice, to help learners ‘recall and secure their learning’.
• Learners with high needs receive tailored support, improving their ‘self-confidence’ and ability to cope with anxiety and social situations.
• The college makes a ‘reasonable contribution to meeting skills needs’ through strong employer partnerships and collaborative regional planning.

Areas to improve

• Improve the sequencing of apprenticeship curriculums and ensure teachers use effective teaching strategies rather than relying on independent study.
• Increase retention and achievement rates for apprentices, who currently leave early and receive less developmental feedback.
• Raise attendance and achievement for learners studying additional English and mathematics qualifications, and ensure apprentices receive high-quality careers guidance.

Safeguarding

The report states that ‘the arrangements for safeguarding are effective’, noting that learners feel safe and know how to refer issues which are dealt with ‘quickly and with integrity’.